GP spyder chassis

[cymtriks]

A while ago I heard that GP were going to introduce a Golf engined spaceframe equipped Porsche Spyder replica. A quick look at their website shows that they are still using the old beetle chassis. It beats me why anybody still uses the beetle chassis for anything. I know it made sense once but its now antiquated and getting rarer by the day. I'd have thought that a modern FWD engine and box in a spaceframe would have sunk the beetle design but the reverse appears to have happened. Does anyone know what became of the Golf spaceframe spyder?

[Avocet]

People like using donor chassis because it makes them SVA-exempt. Unfortunately, it is common to shorten the Beetle floorpan for this sort of kit and once you do that it's not the "original, unmodified" chassis so it SHOULD do SVA. As it happens most DVLA inspectors wouldn't know a modified Beetle chassis if it ran over them so by and large, peope get away with it. I guess the other reason might be simplicity (everything is already mounted and you get a smidgin of authenticity).

[cinqster]

Bart (who now runs GP) is still in the process of developing the chassis, so expect some news by the Summer - IIRC, he's had some health issues recently.

As an owner of a VW chassised example I can only agree with the availability/old fashioned issue, but when used with a light low bodyshell like the Spyder it still makes some sense. I'm still running standard suspension/shocks and drum brakes on mine and there's not much that can pass me on a small track.